Two killed in latest clash in South Sulawesi

SINJAI, South Sulawesi (JP): Two people were killed on Wednesday night when armed thugs clashed with members of Forbes, a public-initiated group combating crime, in Biroro village, East Sinjai district, Sinjai regency, South Sulawesi.

The incident occurred when about 50 crooks and thugs from the district, armed with guns and sharp weapons, attacked the Forbes headquarters, which is also the residence of the group's chairman, Zainuddin.

Neighbors, including several members of Forbes, rushed to help Zainuddin. During the fray two Forbes members were killed, though Zainuddin survived the attack.

The clash ended when the police arrived. But Forbes coordinator Yahya Abdullah alleged the police were slow to move in to halt the attack. He claimed some officers backed gambling spots and alcohol distribution networks, which have become profitable sources of income for local thugs.

"When the incident began, I called the police but they didn't do anything. Then I called the local military chief and told him to contact the police," Yahya said.

Yahya said he believed the attack was in retaliation for Forbes' raids on illegal nightspots in the area.

The village was still tense on Friday afternoon. Police have stationed two platoons of officers in the village to prevent any further violence.

The two people killed in the attack were identified as Umar, 35, and Ambo, 40.

Umar, a junior high school teacher, died of gunshot wounds, while Ambo died of slash wounds.

Biroro is about 310 kilometers east of the provincial capital Makassar. (27/emf)